The Nigerian Navy is leveraging music as a soft power tool, employing its band to boost troop morale, foster national unity, and strengthen civil-military relations.

The commander of the naval base in Abuja, Oluseyi Oladipo, made the assertion at the 2026 Nigerian Navy Band Musical Concert held at the Naval Base Abuja Parade Ground.

Mr Oladipo said the concert was not merely for entertainment but also a platform to connect with families, stakeholders and the public while reinforcing the navy’s commitment to national security.

He noted that music has historically played a vital role in military operations, serving as a source of motivation, cohesion and inspiration for troops in both training and combat environments.

According to him, the navy continues to deploy personnel across the six geopolitical zones in joint and single-service operations, underscoring its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The commander said the concert aligned with the command philosophy of the chief of the naval staff, Idi Abass, which prioritises a mission-ready force through enhanced welfare and morale.

He added that the navy’s band performances symbolised service, discipline and unity, while also celebrating the professionalism and dedication of personnel contributing to operational successes nationwide.

Mr Oladipo commended officers and ratings deployed in various theatres of operation, as well as their families, for their resilience and sacrifices in support of national security efforts.

He restated that the use of music in modern military practice remains relevant, helping to boost troop morale, inspire patriotism and sustain fighting spirit amid evolving security challenges.

The naval commander also called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing operations against security threats.

He assured that the navy, in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies, would remain steadfast in defending the nation under the leadership of the commander-in-chief.

Mr Oladipo said the concert further demonstrated the navy’s commitment to engaging citizens through non-kinetic approaches, fostering unity and strengthening civil-military relations.

He urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and united, stressing that collective support was critical to overcoming the country’s security challenges.

The event featured performances by the Nigerian Navy Band, showcasing musical excellence while reinforcing messages of peace, unity and national pride.

The Nigerian naval band traces its origins to the early 1960s, shortly after independence, when the first buglers were recruited into the service to support ceremonial duties previously handled by police and army bands.

The band evolved into a full-fledged professional unit in 1963 under the late Frederick Oluwole Bucknor and has since grown into a structured directorate of music with multiple specialised bands supporting naval operations, training and national engagements.

(NAN)